Growers offered chance to become EBT retailers

JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) are offering a new marketing opportunity for Mississippi fruit and vegetable growers.

An informational meeting will be held Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum’s Forestry Building in Jackson for all Mississippi fruit and vegetable growers interested in becoming an authorized electronic benefit transfer (EBT) retailer.

At this meeting, growers can apply to receive a free wireless machine to accept EBT/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) transactions (formerly Food Stamp Program benefits) at farmers markets. The MDAC and MDHS will discuss all aspects of this program and answer any questions. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service staff will be available to assist growers in completing the application process.

Based on possible attendance, meeting participants planning to submit an application at the meeting are advised to allow an adequate number of hours to complete the process. Attendees completing the application on-sight should bring the following items to this meeting: driver’s license; Social Security card or an official document with the Social Security number; and, a voided check for the bank account where EBT/SNAP deposits will be posted. Photocopies of each item will be accepted.

There is no cost to attend the meeting. The deadline to register is Feb. 3. For more information or to obtain a registration form, contact Purvie Green at (601) 359-1168 or purvie@mdac.state.ms.us or visit www.mdac.state.ms.us.

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